Cylindrical Cable Marking Unit with Split Enclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching marking elements, such as test stickers or labels, to cylindrical items like electrical cables are prone to damage, deformation, and loss due to constant bending, which can lead to safety issues and health risks, especially in the medical field.

Innovation Solution

A marking unit with a recording body comprising two sub-bodies that enclose the cylindrical element, providing a large attachment area for the marking element, which is designed to be securely attached and protected from damage, featuring a continuous surface for better adhesion and interlocking form elements for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the marking element is folded around the cable and the ends are glued together, then the marking element can be attached to the cable, but the flag can tear off or get caught during use and handling, damaging the marking element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmarking element integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving body is divided into two separate partial bodies that can be assembled around the cable. This segmentation allows the marking element to be securely enclosed between the partial bodies without requiring the flag ends to be glued together, preventing tearing and catching issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marking element is nested within the receiving body formed by the two partial bodies. The marking element is positioned between the partial bodies and secured in place, protecting it from external damage while maintaining its visibility and functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the marking element is attached to the cable, then it provides test information, but constant bending of the cable causes the marking element to deform and detach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking element retentionVSAvoidmarking element shape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving body is designed with a protective structure that cushions and absorbs the stress from cable bending before it can reach the marking element. The partial bodies form a rigid enclosure that prevents deformation of the marking element during cable movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The marking element is transitioned from a flat flag shape to a three-dimensional enclosed structure within the receiving body. This dimensional change allows the marking element to be protected from bending stresses while still displaying test information through its surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the marking element is attached with adhesive, then it can be secured to the cable, but dirt accumulates on the edges of the adhesive surfaces, reducing value and posing health hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking element attachmentVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive attachment method is extracted and replaced by a mechanical enclosure system. The two partial bodies form a physical barrier that seals the marking element, preventing dirt accumulation on adhesive edges while maintaining secure attachment through the structural design of the receiving body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4502992A1Marking unit, movable electrical installation
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 KEMNA DRUCK KAMEN GMBH
  • EP4502992A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4502992A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4502992A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Marking unit (1) for permanently and securely attaching a planar marking element (2) to at least one cylindrical element (5), comprising: at least one receiving body (6) extending at least along an axis (5b); and wherein the receiving body (6) comprises at least two sub-bodies (11, 12) forming an opening (7) for receiving on the cylindrical element (5) and circumferentially enclosing the cylindrical element (5) in a mounted state; and wherein the receiving body (6) has at least one mounting surface (8) for attaching the marking element (2). The mounting surface (8) extends over both sub-bodies (11, 12). Portable electrical equipment (100) with marking unit (1).